Mixing package and methods of forming and using same

ABSTRACT

A package having two or more selectively isolated compartments and a mixing region is disclosed. A mixing region can be included between the mixing compartments, with respective access devices (e.g., zipper or film member) provided to provide selective communication between the compartments and the mixing region. One or more pull members can be included on the exterior of the package such that pulling on the tabs opens the access devices to facilitate communication between the compartments and their respective contents.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/376,864, filed Aug. 25, 2010 and entitled MIXING PACKAGE AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, more particularly, to flexible packaging adapted to selectively mix the contents of two or more compartments or chambers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various conventional flexible packages exist for separating two or more products or components prior to use. In general, at least one of the components is a liquid. Pressure causes the contents to exert force upon a frangible tape or seal until a breaking or bursting point is reached. At the point of rupture, the previously separated contents are then brought into communication with each other.

While generally effective in mixing the pouch contents after pressure is applied, these conventional packaging designs have inherent flaws. First, the method of manufacturing or forming such packages can be time consuming, require undesired precision and can be costly. The requisite heat, pressure, and dwell times required to form a proper rupturable seal can be unpredictable and difficult to achieve. Slight variations or errors in formation or manufacturing of the seal can significantly alter the rupture threshold for the seal. Further, simple handling and shipping of the product can cause the seal to rupture at an unintended time. This can also increase waste and cost, and can cause a mess during shipment, use and the like.

As a result, there is a need for a flexible package that substantially solves the above-referenced problems with conventional package designs, configurations, and manufacturing methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves many of the problems that plague conventional mixing packages and packaging methods. Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a package or pouch generally constructed of a flexible polymer material or film laminate. Two or more mixing compartments are provided. In addition, one or more zipper or like access devices are provided intermediate the mixing compartments such that a pulling force on the package or access devices selectively opens a communication region or channel between the mixing compartments. As such, inadvertent or even relatively high squeezing pressure on the outside of the package or access devices will not cause an undesirable rupture or communication between the compartments.

In one embodiment, the package includes a first compartment, a second compartment, a leak resistant or leak proof first zipper device and second zipper device, and an initial mixing region or compartment. The first and second zipper devices are provided at the area of communication between the respective first and second compartments and provide the means for enabling communication between the mixing region and the corresponding compartment. In use, significant squeezing or other pressure force onto the package from the outside of the package will simply cause the contents of the compartments to press against the access devices, and will not cause rupture or communication between the compartments. However, a relatively low level pulling force on the outside of the package proximate the zipper devices will cause the interlocking members of the devices, or extending members of a film, to disengage and open communication between the compartments. Pull tabs, fins, members, or like structures or devices can be included on the outside of the package above or opposite the product side of the zipper devices to facilitate pulling or opening of the zipper devices.

The content or products within the compartments can vary greatly. Various fluids, liquids, solids, gels, granular substances, and the like can be isolated within the compartments for later mixing with use of the mixing and access device features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a mixing package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial side section view of the mixing package of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is close-up partial section view of the compartments, regions, and devices of the package of FIG. 2 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 a is close-up partial section view of the compartments, regions, and film member devices of a mixing package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 b is close-up partial section view of the compartments, regions, and film member device of a mixing package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 c is close-up partial section view of the compartments, regions, and zipper/film devices of a mixing package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a mixing package with end seals and contents in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side section view of the mixing package of FIG. 4 with product or contents in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side section view of the mixing package in an initial use stage in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side section view of the mixing package in use to mix the compartment contents in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For illustrative purposes, hatching or shading in the figures is provided to demonstrate sealed portions, integrated devices, and/or distinct materials or portions for the package. In addition, the size and proportions of film or package portions may be exaggerated with respect to the surrounding material and films to improve visual depictions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, a flexible package 10 in accordance with the present invention, and the steps for using the flexible package 10, are shown or described. The package 10 generally includes a first or front panel portion 12 and a second or back panel portion 14 configured to define a package interior 9 adapted to hold contents or product 11. The package 10 can further include a bottom panel portion and one or more side panel portions. The panel portions can be joined to form or define an inner cavity of the main package 10 for holding, transporting, or otherwise containing material contents. The material contents can include solids, fluids (e.g., liquid or gaseous contents), powders, gels, granular substances, foods, and like substances, materials or contents.

Each of the panel portions can include internal sealant surfaces. The joining of the front and back panels 12, 14 can create corresponding side or seal edges and top and bottom seals. Alternatively, the panels can be formed of a single web material and folded or formed to define the distinct panel portions. The cross-hatching in the figures is generally used to denote sealing and/or panel edges, folds or distinct materials or panel portions. In certain embodiments, the package 10 can further includes a bottom panel, side panels, top panels, and the like. Further, panel portions can be gusseted to provide a level of deformability, expansion or like dynamic characteristics.

The package panel portions are generally constructed of flexible sheet material such as polyethylene, polyester, metal foil, polypropylene, or polyethylenes or polypropylenes laminated with other materials such as nylon, polyester, and like films. To provide for higher barriers, embodiments can use combination layers of said materials and material of the like. In addition, various panel portions can be constructed of, or incorporated with, materials that provide preferred sealing characteristics. One skilled in the art will understand that a myriad of materials and material laminates are available for selective use for the package and materials.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 1-7, the package 10 can include a first access device 20, a second access device 22, a first content compartment 24, a second content compartment 26, and an initial mixing region 28. Further, one or more pull members 30, such as tabs, film, flaps, fins, labels, and the like, can be included extending from the outside of the package proximate or at the access devices 20, 22 to facilitate pulling open the access devices. The pull members 30 can be flexible, rigid, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the user can simply grab or pinch a portion of the package proximate the access devices 20, 22 and pull (or push or squeeze) to separate or open the devices. Side or edge seals 13 can be used to seal off and contain the contents within the package compartments 24, 26.

As shown in the close-up view of FIG. 3, the first access device can be a first zipper device 20 and the second access device can be a second zipper device 22. Other known mechanisms, structures or access devices are also envisioned for use as one or both of the devices 20, 22, e.g., Velcro® (hook and latch), snaps, clips, and the like. The first zipper device 20 is provided intermediate the first compartment 24 and the initial mixing region 28. The second zipper device 22 is provided intermediate the second compartment 26 and the mixing region 28. Further, the zipper devices can include a first flange portion 32, a second flange portion 34, first interlocking members 36 and second interlocking members 38. In various embodiments, the flange portions are adapted for sealing or other attachment to the interior panel of the package. The interlocking members are generally provided in an opposing orientation such that the first interlocking members 36 can be directed down or toward the second interlocking members 38, or vice versa. Providing the devices 20, 22 at an orientation (e.g., transverse) to the plane of the relevant package panels (e.g., 12, 14) provides the desired resistance at the devices 20, 22 to pressure or squeezing of the package (e.g., normal use or squeezing). If squeezed, the contents or product in each compartment 24, 26 will press against the sides (e.g., generally in plane with the panels) zipper or access device without initiating actuation, separation or opening of the devices. Rather, a pulling force on the members 30 or the package panel material (e.g., transverse to the plane of the panels), with minimal force, will disengage the oriented interlocking members 36, 38 to provide means for opening the access devices 20, 22 with relative ease.

Certain embodiments of the access devices 20, 22 can include a mechanism or structure not requiring zipper constructs. For instance, hook and latch (e.g., Velcro®), or like devices or constructs can be employed.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 a, the devices 20, 22 can include a generally U-shaped or C-shaped peel film or member 25 can be included. The member 25 can be a folded length of peel seal film. The member 25 can take on a myriad of designs, shapes and sizes in accordance with the desired strength, use, and package formation desired. Embodiments including this peel film or member 25 can provide a device 20, 22 with a contiguous construct with fewer vulnerable regions to better promote leak proof characteristics for the devices 20, 22. With such embodiments, the shaped films or members 25 can be attached to the interior surfaces of the front and back panels, 12, 14, much like the zipper devices of FIG. 3. The curved section or region 25 a of the member can be positioned where the interlocking members would otherwise be such that direct tension or force from squeezing will not cause the member to release from its seal to the front and back panels. Extending portions 25 b are sealed or otherwise disposed along an interior surface of the opposing panel portions 12, 14, e.g., peel seal attachment.

The contents 11 (e.g., product A or B) can travel along a direction shown in FIG. 3 a to exert a force against the region 25 a. Normal squeezing forces can move the contents to provide a force that may deform or stress the region 25 a without providing a directional force (e.g., transverse to the panel plane) sufficient to cause the extending portions 25 b to separate from the interior panel surface. As such, the member 25 can withstand a high shear force from the product side. However, pulling force on the tabs 30 will cause the temporary or peel seal of the member 25 (e.g., at extending portions 25 b) to disengage or release from the interior panel surface (e.g., low shear strength) to facilitate opening of the access device and permit communication between the compartments 24, 26 and the corresponding region 28. The level of bonding or sealing of the extending portions 25 b to the respective interior panel surface can be used as a means of controlling the desired force required on the tabs 30 for releasing the members 25 and the level of stresses or forces the region 25 a is configured to withstand or absorb. Higher or stronger seal properties will require more pulling force to release the portions 25 b from the interior surface to open up the member 25. Such sealing configurations and controlled release characteristics can be implemented for any of the device 20, 22 embodiments disclosed herein. Further, an interior facing surface of the film 25 (opposite the surface sealed to the interior of the panels) can include a polyester, nylon or like coating, laminate or co-extrusion such that the film 25 will not stick to itself during sealing and formation processes for the package—e.g., prevent sticking or sealing of the interior surfaces of the opposing extending portions 25 b to one another.

Other embodiments of devices 20, 22 constructed of or including a film or membrane are shown in FIGS. 3 b-3 c. FIG. 3 b depicts an embodiment having a single (but could include more) device 20 in the form of a film member 27 sealed to opposing interior surfaces of the corresponding panel portions, such as panels 12, 14. The member 27 can extend angularly across the panels and can include a weakened area 27 a (e.g., thin walled, scored, etc.) to facilitate breaching or breaking of the member 27 upon application of a force—e.g., pulling at the tabs 30. Upon breaching the film member 27 at the area 27 a, the compartments 24, 26 are brought into open communication, and the contents thereof can be mixed.

FIG. 3 c shows an embodiment of the package 10 wherein the devices 20, 22 include the zipper construct described herein (e.g., flanges 32, 34 and interlocking members 36, 38) and an additional film or membrane 29. The membrane 29 can be adapted to provide a level of give or deformation with the devices 20, 22 and can include an area of weakness to facilitate breaching or breaking upon receiving the desired force application—e.g., pulling at the tabs 30. Further, embodiments of the membrane 29 can simply be provided to include an initial device 20, 22 protection against the force of the product within the compartments 24, 26 during squeezing or manipulation, until the time when the membrane 29 is breached or the zipper device components, such as members 36, 38, are disengaged to open up the devices 20, 22.

Again, the material contents 11 of the compartments 24, 26 for each of the embodiments can include solids, fluids (e.g., liquid or gaseous contents), powders, gels, foods, and like substances, materials or contents. In various embodiments, the contents of compartment 24 can be different than the contents of compartment 26. For instance, one compartment (e.g., 24) can include a fluid, while the other compartment (e.g., 26) can include a solid, or other non-fluid content, such that mixing of the contents 11 is facilitated by opening or otherwise providing fluid communication between the compartments 24, 26. Certain embodiments can include more than two distinct compartments separated and brought into communication by one or more access devices.

In using an embodiment, as demonstrated in FIGS. 5-7, the package is provided to the user with the content or product in compartments 24, 26 (e.g., Product A and Product B) isolated by the one or more access devices 20, 22. When mixing of the contents is desired, the user then grabs the tabs 30 (FIG. 6) and pulls up or away from the package panels. This, in turn, will cause the access devices 20, 22 to disengage, release or open (e.g., at the members 36, 38) such that the contents are brought into communication with one another in the initial mixing region 28 (FIG. 7). While the mixing region 28 may provide initial mixing or communication of the previously separated contents 11 upon release or opening of the devices 20, 22, the contents 11 of each compartment 24, 26 is then capable of mixing within the other of the compartments, or even within other portions of the interior package cavity. As such, the interior of the package can mix all contents together even through the contents were initially maintained in distinct and isolated compartments 24, 26.

While various embodiments are depicted with two access devices 20, 22, other embodiments can include a single access device adapted to selectively open communication between the compartments 24, 26. With such embodiments, the contents or product of the compartments 24, 26 could also mix within the compartments themselves, even without an initial mixing region 28.

In certain embodiments, a fitment, port, mechanism or other structure 50 can be included with the package that extends from the outside of the package in through a panel 12 or 14 to provide fluid communication into the initial mixing region 28 (FIG. 3 c). Air or liquid could be injected in through this structure 50 (e.g., via a conduit, nozzle, etc.) to expand or inflate the pocket or cavity defining the region 28 such that a desired level of air or liquid will expand the proximate panels 12, 14 to simulate the pulling action described herein to cause the devices 20, 22 to disengage, rupture or otherwise open to provide communication between the compartments 24, 26.

Various additional access devices, such as zippers or like closures (e.g., single use or re-closeable), can be included along various portions or panels of the package 10 to facilitate filling, access or dispensing of the products, or mixed contents, from the package. Further, scores, tear notches or similar features can be included along nearly any region of the package 10 to facilitate access into and out of the package compartments. In addition, the access devices, pull tabs, members or other mechanisms or features of the mixing package 10 can be pre-formed, extruded or otherwise formed in the package panels (outside or inside surfaces) rather than attached through sealing or other bonding techniques. The access devices, pull tabs, members or other mechanisms or features could also be pre-formed or attached to a separate material or film and thereafter integrated or otherwise provided along a surface (outside or inside) of the package panels.

Embodiments of the package 10 can include zippers, fitments, re-closeable devices or other like devices to gain access into the mixed content of the internal cavity. Further, certain embodiments can include tear notches, scoring, and like features to permit a user to rip or tear off a portion of the package to gain access to the mixed contents of the internal cavity of the package. Knifes, scissors or other cutting tools can also be used to cut a portion of the package to gain access to the mixed contents.

A myriad of package formation and manufacturing process are envisioned for forming the disclosed package 10. In one embodiment, the package 10 is generally formed by inserting two access devices 20, 22 down the center of the package during the formation process (machine or transverse directions). The devices 20, 22 can be oriented so that the interlocking members are facing each other and the package panels to advance the desired squeeze-resistance described herein. The package 10 could be made in a form fill and seal method, where the package is formed, filled with the products, and sealed closed, all in one continuous process. The package 10 could also be constructed as a pre-made package, where the package is formed and later filled with contents or materials.

A roll of material can be placed on the back of a pouch forming machine. The roll is pulled through the machine with various draw rollers or like mechanisms. The material roll is then slit down the center, forming to individual webs of material. These individual webs are then turned and positioned in an opposing orientation, one on top of the other—e.g., sealant sides facing each other.

Each of these individual web sections can run over a perpendicular or transverse forming plate while rollers and guides form a small (e.g., ¾″) tab 30 of material down the length of each of the webs, generally opposing each other. These panels can be heat sealed together to form the pull tab 30.

Next, the two zippers 20, 22, or other access devices, are fed into the machine, between the two individual webs, on each side of the pull tab 30. The flange 32 can be sealed to the interior of one of the package panels and the flange 34 can be sealed to the other interior panel surface. A crush station can next crush the ends of the zippers 20, 22 and interlock the members 36, 38. Then, the front and back panels 12, 14 of the package can be sealed together along their sides to create the side seals of the package 13. One or more edges, ends or seal regions of the package 10 can remain unsealed until after the compartments 24, 26 are filled with contents or product (FIG. 1). Upon filling, the ends can then be sealed to close off the compartments 24, 26 (FIG. 4).

With such a package and access device 20, 22 configuration, the package can be squeezed and receive pressure during shipping, handling and like activities without undesirably mixing the contents of the compartments 24, 26. It is only with purposeful pulling on the tabs 30, or the package panels themselves, that the devices 20, 22 are actuated or disengaged to provide open communication between the compartments and the mixing region 28 to allow for content mixing within the entire interior cavity of the package. Further, the implementation of the devices 20, 22 provides and advantageous safety feature. If one of the devices 20 or 22 should leak, the contents of the compartments 24, 26 are nevertheless isolated by the other of the devices, e.g., isolated in the mixing region 28.

Various handles or handle portions, graphics, closeable and re-closeable devices, gussets, and like features known to one skilled in the art are also envisioned for use with this invention and can be implemented without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All references to front, back, top, bottom, and the like are merely for demonstrative purposes and are not intended to limit the variations and positional references and orientations of the panels access devices in the present invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Similarly, the above-described methods and techniques for forming or using the present invention are illustrative processes and are not intended to limit the methods of manufacturing/forming or using the present invention to those specifically defined herein. A myriad of various unspecified steps and procedures can be performed to for or use the inventive package 10. 

1. A content mixing package, comprising: a first compartment adapted to hold first contents; a second compartment adapted to hold second contents; and at least one access device disposed between the first and second compartments such that a pulling force on a portion of the package selectively opens the at least one access device to enable communication of the first and second contents.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one access device includes first and second access devices.
 3. The package of claim 2, further including an initial mixing region provided intermediate the first and second access devices.
 4. The package of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second access devices includes a zipper device.
 5. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one access device includes a zipper device.
 6. The package of claim 5, wherein the zipper device includes opposing interlocking members.
 7. The package of claim 1, further including at least one external member provided proximate the at least one access device such that pulling on the at least one external member opens the at least one access device.
 8. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least one access device is a generally C-shaped film member.
 9. The package of claim 1, further including two external members provided proximate the at least one access device such that pulling on the two external members opens the at least one access device.
 10. A content mixing package, comprising: a first flexible panel portion having an external surface and an internal surface; a second flexible panel portion having an external surface and an internal surface; a first compartment defined at least by the first and second flexible panel portions and adapted to hold first contents; a second compartment defined at least by the first and second flexible panel portions and adapted to hold second contents distinct from the first compartment; and at least one access device operably disposed to the internal surface of the first flexible panel portion and the internal surface of the second flexible panel portion between the first and second compartments such that opening the at least one access device enables communication of the first and second contents.
 11. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device includes first and second access devices.
 12. The package of claim 11, further including an initial mixing region provided intermediate the first and second access devices.
 13. The package of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second access device includes a zipper device.
 14. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device includes a zipper device.
 15. The package of claim 14, wherein the zipper device includes opposing interlocking members.
 16. The package of claim 10, further including at least one external member provided proximate the at least one access device extending from the external surface of the first flexible panel portion such that pulling on the at least one external member opens the at least one access device.
 17. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device is a generally C-shaped film member, with a first portion of the film member peel sealed to the internal surface of the first panel portion and a second portion of the film member peel sealed to the internal surface of the second panel portion.
 18. The package of claim 10, further including two external members provided proximate the at least one access device such that pulling on the two external members opens the at least one access device.
 19. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device includes a first flange disposed to the internal surface of the first flexible panel portion and a second flange disposed to the internal surface of the second flexible panel portion.
 20. The package of claim 10, wherein the at least one access device provides a substantially leak proof closure portion. 